Roller Blind FAQ’s

Roller Blind FAQ’s from Select Blinds

What are blinds?

Blinds are window covering which can be used instead of curtains. Blinds come in many different styles, colours and materials and can be brought off the shelf in standard sizes or made to measure so they perfectly fit your windows. Blinds make your home or business look modern and contemporary as they will fit your window perfectly and the colour and material you choose will ensure they match your decor. Blinds are easy to use and easy to keep clean and maintain.

What are roller blinds?

Roller blinds are a single piece of material that when fully closed cover your window space completely. The roller blind system can either be a pulley cord mechanism or a sidewinding chain mechanism that is attached to the blinds roll casing fitting into or outside of your window recess. When your blind is fully open the material rolls around the casing leaving your window fully exposed and the natural light entering your room.

What are the benefits of roller blinds?

Roller blinds can be made to fit wide or narrow width windows

Roller blinds can be made to fit any depth of window or door

They come in many different colours

They can be made in many different materials to suit the room they are being fitted in

Roller blinds can be made in blackout material

They are easily maintained and just need to be dusted and occasionally wiped with a damp cloth

Roller blinds don’t collect dust compared to curtains or other types of blinds

They are great for any room; bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, playrooms, conservatories, kitchens, toilets, bathrooms, hallways, landings, door windows and doors

They give you privacy in overlooked rooms and can be made in thinner transparent material so you are still able to see the shapes and colours outside

They block the suns glare from a room

They are easy to open and shut with no weight to them

Their versatility allows you to have them completely open or shut

The opening and closing mechanisms can be fitted to either side

The opening and closing mechanism can be made to be child and pet safe

Roller blinds are normally a cheaper alternative to curtains and other blinds

How practical are roller blinds?

Roller blinds are a modern way of covering your window, every bit of its material covers your window when it’s closed but when it is open your whole window and frame is exposed, making your window a sleek and contemporary feature in your room.

They are easy to open and close with the mechanism and there is no weight to them.

If you have a smaller room then curtains can sometimes take over and cover wall space either side of your window when open and closed. Roller blinds whether they are fitted inside or outside of your window recess won’t take over any of your wall space, making your room look bigger, spacious and modern. This is the same if you have a lot of windows in a room with curtains, they can overpower the room so the contemporary look of a roller blind is perfect.

Roller blinds brought from a shop as well as made to measure roller blinds will cost you less than curtains as they are a simple design which doesn’t use as much heavy material.

How do roller blinds work?

Roller blinds are fitted inside or outside of a window recess and are opened by a safe pulley mechanism which can be fitted to either side for ease of opening and closing. The pulley mechanism rolls the material up onto the roller casing when opening the blind or rolls it back over the window opening when the blind is closed. There is no weight to opening and closing a roller blind as the pulley mechanism takes the weight out of the material compared to wooden blinds.

How do roller blinds open and close?

A roller blind opens and closes using a pulley cord system or a sidewinding chain mechanism which can be made to fit either side of the blind.

What material do roller blinds come in?

Roller blinds can come in any colour from contemporary light tones to bright and vivid block colours, and patterned roller blinds also look amazing. The colour and or pattern you choose will really make your window stand out and complement the decor of your room.

Can I have patterned roller blinds?

Yes, vivid or subtle patterns are great for a roller blind. If your room is neutral colours and tones then it is often great to accessorise with coloured cushions and blinds to make it really stand out.

What size can roller blinds be?

Roller blinds can be made to fit most width and depth windows or doors. Roller blind sizes tend to be available in widths from 300mm to 3000mm and drops from 300mm to 1800mm but a good and reputable blind company will be able to advise you on this as the material used to make them will make a difference. Roller blinds are really versatile and they are a great way to keep a door frame looking contemporary when the blind is open and a feature when the blind is closed. You can use roller blinds to fit a standard sliding door with the roller blind fitting along the top inside or outside of the recess.

Can roller blinds be cut to size?

Roller blinds can be cut to size but it is a tricky process that can often go wrong. When you cut a roller blind to the size you want you can risk the material fraying over time as the edging won’t be hemmed. Made to measure roller blinds really don’t cost much more than buying a standard roller blind so its always worth spending just a little bit more to ensure they stand the test of time.

Should roller blinds rest on a window sill?

In most cases, blinds look and work best when they are closed resting on a window sill. If there isn’t a window sill then you should measure the length to the point where you want the blinds to reach to achieve the look you want.

What are made to measure roller blinds?

Made to measure roller blinds will be cut and made to fit your specific window opening and recess with only an ‘mm’ of window opening not being covered by the blind when it is shut. Good blind companies will come out to your home and measure your window opening for you and then come back and fit them when they have been made. If the blind company is not in your area then they will advise you how to measure your window and you can send them your measurements for them to make them made to measure for you.

What are off the shelf standard roller blinds?

Off the shelf, roller blinds tend to come in standard widths and lengths and they won’t fit your window as perfectly as a made to measure roller blinds. You also won’t have as much material, colour and pattern variations to choose from when you are buying them.

What type of material can roller blinds come in?

Roller blinds can come in almost any material, material thickness, blackout material, pattern or colour and there are hundreds of different fabrics you can choose from. When you are choosing your fabric you need to decide how much light you want to come into the room as this will narrow down your fabric decision. They can be made from varying materials from simple plastic to vinyl to material like double layered cotton or woven fabrics. The thicker the material, the more privacy and thermally efficient they will be.

The most common fabric used for roller blinds is standard fabric which comes in a range of colours and patterns for you to choose from. If you want to keep your room bright with a good level of privacy then standard fabric roller blinds are for you. If possible hold your choice of fabric up to the window and you can see how much light comes in and what you can see outside to help you determine if this is the material you want them to be made from.

Blackout fabric does what it says and reduces the light entering a room from outside so they are great for bedrooms, especially if you work nights and want to reduce the amount of light during the day when you are trying to sleep or for young children.

Energy saving fabric which is often referred to as dimout fabric has a silver reflective coating on the back of the material which reduces sun glare. If you are choosing blinds for an office or a room where there is a TV and the sun shining through is a problem then choosing dimout fabric is a good choice. The silver coating on the back of the blind also reduces the heat that can build up in south-facing rooms so if your room gets too warm in the summer then these are a great option.

Waterproof fabric is made from PVC and blinds made in this material are great for kitchens and bathrooms as the moisture from the room doesn’t sink into the fabric which can cause mould later down the line, or for children bedrooms if you want to be able to wipe your blind clean.

What colours can roller blinds be?

Roller blinds can be made in any colour or pattern and they are great in really bright or neutral colours so are really versatile.

What sort of windows can roller blinds be fitted in?

Roller blinds can be made to measure to fit in most type or windows and doors and your main decision will be whether to have them fitted inside or outside of the recess and your fabric and colour choice.

Are roller blinds easy to fit?

Roller blinds are relatively easy to fit yourself, however, most good blind companies will measure your window, make your blinds to measure and then come back and fit them. This takes away the stress of measuring them incorrectly and/or fitting them. The blind fitters will be highly experienced and have the tools and know how to quickly and efficiently fit your blinds whilst you sit back and have a cup of tea. If you do decide to fit your blinds yourself then there are normally 2 fixture brackets and 4 screws to use. Be careful when fitting yourself as the type of wall you are fixing the blind to will determine the wall plug that you need to use to safely secure your blind.

Can you have blackout roller blinds?

Yes, blackout roller blinds are really popular and a great option in bedrooms if you have children or if you work nights and need to sleep well during the day.

What windows do roller blinds best fit into?

Roller blinds are really versatile and can fit into any type of window. If your window isn’t a standard size then made to measure roller blinds are your best option.

What rooms do roller blinds suit?

Roller blinds really do suit any room and they will give you a minimal and modern look from their simple design and just the window opening being covered when they are closed. They will make a room look brighter, bigger and lighter due to the minimal amount of fabric used. They are a really practical and cost-effective option for bedrooms which we would recommend using blackout blinds for, kitchens and bathrooms as they are easy to keep clean, living areas for a contemporary look offering you privacy when you want it.

What type of property are roller blinds for?

Roller blinds can look amazing in any type of property, new or old and in homes and businesses. If you have a lot of windows in your property they are a great look and really cost effective too.

Can roller blinds be fitted for a door?

Yes, roller blinds can be fitted for a door and look great as well. If your door opens inwards then you do have to be careful not to open the door when the blind is shut so this is always a consideration when you are choosing the type of blind to fit your door opening.

Can roller blinds be fitted inside the recess of a window?

Roller blinds can be fitted inside or outside of a window or door frame. Inside mounted blinds tend to give you the cleanest look and they can be mounted as deep or as shallow as you want. If you need to you can fit roller blinds outside of a window frame and they extend past the frame, it really depends on the look you want. You can also have a window pelmet made to cover the roller blind when it is fully open if you have had it fitted outside of your window recess.

Can roller blinds be fitted on the outside recess of a window?

Roller blinds can be fitted outside of a window or door recess and they extend past the frame if you want them to which completely blocks the light from entering any slight gaps to the side of the fabric. If you want to cover the roller blind when it is fully open then you can have a window pelmet made in the same fabric as your blind.

Where should I buy roller blinds from?

Always buy your roller blinds from a reputable company or blind company. A specialist blind company will have more of a choice from you to choose from and will have the expertise to advise you on the best blind for your room, decor and budget. They will also offer a measuring, making and fitting service which makes choosing your blinds and getting them fixed really easy.

Will roller blinds keep a room warm?

Roller blinds can keep a room warmer than if they weren’t there, however they won’t insulate your room as much as thicker curtains would.

Do roller blinds keep a room cool?

Roller blinds can keep a room cool as they will block the sunlight from entering a room, especially if you have them made in energy saving fabric as the silver reflective coating on the back of the material reduces the heat that builds up in rooms that get hot in the summer from the sun shining through during the day.

Can roller blinds be used in an office?

Roller blinds are a great choice for an office as they are easy to keep clean, open, shut, they offer a minimal look and reduce the sunlight entering the room, therefore, reducing the glare on screens in the day.

Can roller blinds be used in any property?

Roller blinds are a great choice for any property, domestic, commercial or office environments and for any age property.

Will roller blinds give me privacy?

Roller blinds can give you privacy when they are fully shut and you can have roller blinds made which are called privacy blinds which are made from thinner material, allowing some view in and out of a room. Privacy blinds and shades are opaque, or untransparent which prevents a perfect view in and out. Privacy blinds are perfect for rooms which directly face out onto a road, neighbour or other building.

Can roller blinds be partially open?

Roller blinds can be partially opened or closed and if it is a sunny day and you want to block some of the light out then having them 2/3rds closed will do this.

Are roller blinds safe for children?

Roller blinds are safe for children as long as the pulley cord is child safe so always check this before you buy them. Most made to measure blinds will have this safety feature automatically. A child-safe cord will separate at a certain point if there is any weight applied and it can then be rejoined again.

What width can a roller blind be?

Maximum roller blind widths tend to be to 3000mm (3 Metres) but a good and reputable blind company will be able to advise you on this. You can use roller blinds to fit a sliding door opening with the roller blind fitting along the top, either inside or outside of the door recess.

What depth can a roller blind be?

Roller blinds can be made to fit most width and depth windows or doors and tend to be available in drops to around 1800mm depending on the fabric, a good and professional blind company will be able to advise you on this. Roller blinds are really versatile and they are a great way to keep a door frame looking contemporary when the blind is open and a feature when the blind is closed.

Can you see through roller blinds?

It depends on what material is used to make the roller blind as to whether you can see through them. They can be made in blackout material so no light enters a room or with transparent material which offers some light and shade as well as privacy.

How do I measure for a roller blind?

A window should have a minimum recessed space of 2 3/8″ for an inside mounted blind. First, measure the width of the window from the top of the opening to the sill in 3 places different points and use the smallest dimension for the width of the blind. Most manufacturers will normally deduct up to 1/4″ – 1/2″ but it’s a good idea to check this with them before you give your measurements for your order. Alternatively, use a blind company that offer a free measuring and fitting service as if there is a problem with the blind when it comes to fitting it they will rectify it.

Can you hide the roller section of a roller blind?

If you fit your roller blind to the outside recess of a window then you can hide the roller section with a window pelmet made in the same fabric as your blind.

How much are roller blinds?

Roller blinds will vary in price depending on the material used and the size of the blind. Shop around and don’t be afraid to say to a company you have had a cheaper quote and ask them if they can do anything on their price. Also, ask them why there is a difference in price and good blind companies will be able to explain this. Buying off the shelf standard size blinds will be slightly cheaper, however, there are not many windows which are standard size and if they are they all vary in mm so a made to measure blind will fit your window opening perfectly and will last for years to come.

Do roller blinds need to be maintained and looked after?

If blinds are fitted properly when they are first installed then they will be really secure. After a few years of use, the screws may need tightening in the wall fixings and its always a good idea to check this if it is feeling less secure. You can dust your roller blinds easily and wipe them with a slightly damp cloth once in a while to keep them looking new and fresh.

Is it best to get my roller blinds made to measure or buy them from a shop?

We would always advise you to get roller blinds made to measure to ensure they fit your window opening and recess perfectly. You can cut roller blinds to size, however, it’s tricky to do without damaging the blinds, getting clean straight lines and ensuring the material edging of the blind doesn’t fray.

What are the benefits of made to measure roller blinds?

They are made to measure your window and its recess perfectly

They will let minimal light in through the side of the window when they are closed

You can choose from a huge range of material, colours and patterns to match your style and decor

They do not cost much more if anything at all compared to standard off the shelf blinds

Will roller blinds reduce the sunlight in a room?

Roller blinds will reduce the sunlight in a room when they are fully or partially closed. Privacy blinds are transparent and offer privacy and a reduction in sunlight, without blocking the whole view and natural daylight out.

Why would you choose roller blinds over curtains?

Roller blinds are modern and offer a minimal and contemporary look compared to curtains. They offer full opening either side of your window recess compared to curtains which even when fully open will cover some of your window and the light entering a room. Roller blinds are a cheaper alternative to curtains as there is less material used when they are made. Curtains can make a room and a window look smaller and can sometimes overpower it, especially if there are several windows in the room with curtains. Roller blinds offer an efficient and cost-effective solution, making a room feel less enclosed, offer a break from direct sunlight in the day and privacy when you want it. Roller blinds are also easy to maintain and keep clean, collecting less dust compared to curtains.

What areas in Scotland do Select Blinds Cover?

If you are looking for Roller Blinds we have a wide selection of standard ones to choose from, or we offer a free measuring and fitting service in your home or business in Glasgow, Stirling, Coatbridge, Bathgate, Motherwell, Edinburgh, East Kilbride and the surrounding areas. Contact us today on 0808 301 9018 and one of our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have.